Purpose: Raise funds for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital to improve the health of our community

Funding: SNMH Foundation is funded through an operating grant.

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What is your mission statement?

To nurture the spirit of volunteerism and generosity of the community, we focus our philanthropic efforts on fostering quality health care of the highest standards for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (SNMH).

How many paid employees

do you have?

Six.

What is your nonprofit’s history?

In 1984, Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation was created by a group of community leaders and citizens who shared a common belief that a strong, viable hospital was critical for the future health of the community. Initially, funds were raised for an endowment, but it quickly became clear there were many ongoing needs as well. Over the years SNMH Foundation has provided full or partial support to nearly every department of the Hospital including: cancer, stroke, cardiac, diagnostics, surgery, women and infant, breast imaging, nursing, wellness, rehab and more! Over the past decade, SNMH Foundation has raised more than $12 million to benefit our hospital and patients.

Who is your primary audience?

Grateful patients, physicians, hospital staff and volunteers are often engaged in our mission. In addition, much of our support comes from residents dedicated to ensuring our hospital has what it needs to serve our community and/or who have an affinity for supporting nonprofit health care.

Clients served:

SNMH Foundation’s mission is to serve Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital and the patients who need care. To this end, we touch thousands of lives every year. We also interact with 3000-plus donors by helping them experience the impact of their support. Donors appreciate the power of their giving as quality care that comes back full circle.

List the biggest achievements in your nonprofit’s history (up to three).

1. Raising $1 million toward the purchase of a state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator for the SNMH Cancer Center in 2011.

2. Developing a dynamic planned giving program to ensure current and future gift commitments are available for our hospital’s needs.

3. Surpassing $1.2 million toward the Diagnostic Imaging Center that opened in 2006.

List the biggest challenges

you face (up to three).

1. The ever-changing technology in health care and the need for SNMH to remain ahead of the curve, yet just around the corner, is an ongoing challenge. The hospital always has the need to acquire new technology and upgrade existing ones.

2. Getting the word out to newcomers about our wonderful community hospital. SNMH Foundation offers service of excellence tours of the hospital regularly. Please call the office at (530) 477-9700 if you are interested.

3. The changing landscape of health care in general is a challenge. The uncertainty of health care reform and what is going to come down the pipeline in 2014 when reform is fully implemented keeps us on our toes and constantly working with the hospital on new ways to fund programs and seek grant support.

What is your No. 1 short-term goal

for the next year?

We ask our community to support us with a gift toward an oncology simulator (our goal $300,000; currently at $200,000) for our Cancer Center and a Whole Breast Ultrasound (goal: $280,000; currently at $20,000) for our Women’s Imaging Center.

What is your No. 1 long-term goal for the next three years?

Our hospital has many important needs beyond the current project. Realistically, hospital funding can only stretch so far. Our community can help patients being cared for at SNMH by supporting the foundation. We work hard to share patient stories so people understand how vital their support can be. Over the next three years, it is important we double the support we give to SNMH. In the end, our residents are the winners.

What is the best way a person interested in your organization could help?

All gifts big and small make an incredible impact on the lives of our residents in need of hospital services. Volunteering for SNMH Foundation is also a great way to give back. Whether in the office helping with a mailing or at one of our fun and exciting events, volunteering is a great way to get involved and give back. We also have an Ambassador program for those interested in learning more about our Hospital.

How your organization

has benefitted the community?

Today more than ever hospitals need community support to ensure the very best care for their residents. We are proud that through our community’s efforts every day 300 to 500 people utilize the SNMH Diagnostic Imaging Center. Every year, the Cancer Center handles more than 20,000 patient visits. Annually, 30,000-plus patients need emergency care. For those in need of care for a stroke, heart attack, cancer diagnosis, mammogram and breast services, in need of a blood draw or you are in need wellness classes, then Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital is here to serve you. SNMH Foundation works with the community to make sure our hospital is ahead of the curve, yet just around the corner.